Cloud Physics Research at DLR - IPA: from Thunderstorms to Snow Flakes

Abstract

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics at DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen operates since about 25 years a polarimetric Doppler weather radar. This radar was one of the first polarimetric Doppler weather radar in Europe and is still one of the most advanced radar systems used for meteorological research worldwide. The radar can obtain simultaneously Doppler and polarization information at arbitrary polarization bases. While the radar is mainly used for thunderstorm research, other projects are also of interest and are related to actual research topics at the institute. The presentation will discuss some of the retrieval techniques and will show examples of the recent COPS campaign. During the TOSCA campaign synergetic measurements with disdrometer, cloud radar and microwave radiometer were performed to investigate atmospheric properties of snow and mixed ice-water clouds. A short outlook will highlight future observations with a cloud radar system onboard the German research aircraft HALO.

Document Type:

Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)

Title:

Cloud Physics Research at DLR - IPA: from Thunderstorms to Snow Flakes